NEWS GENERAL:
Majestic sales climb despite economic woe
Majestic has reported a solid sales increase despite difficult trading conditions and a downturn in corporate business. The retailer’s pre-tax profits rose by 9% to £6.1 million in the six months to September 28, while like for like sales increased by 5.4%.
Iceland run scratchcard promo around I’m a Celebrity sponsorship
Iceland has launched a scratchcard campaign around its sponsorship of the ITV reality show ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’. Holders of Iceland’s Bonus Card will be given a scratchcard eveytime they make a purchase in-store. The card will offer a 1-in-3 chance of winning prizes including £10,000 and £1 off any £5 party food product.
Experts say Sainsbury’s move puts Tesco on back foot
Sainsbury’s has launched a trial to allow customers to claim the second item in buy-one-get-one-free deals at a later date, mirroring Tesco’s previously announced “Bogof Later” deal.
http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/experts-say-sainsburys-move-puts-tesco-on-back-foot/3006845.article
October sales in seven-year high
Retail sales rose 3.8% on a like-for-like basis during October, reviving hopes that consumer confidence has improved in time for the festive period.
http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/october-sales-in-seven-year-high/3006405.article
Diageo invests £5m in premium spirit push
Reserve Brands Group (RBG), the Diageo division which overseas the marketing of its premium spirits brands, is investing £5m in new Christmas activity.
http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/diageo-invests-%C2%A35m-in-premium-spirit-push/3005731.article
Alcohol ‘protects’ men’s hearts
Drinking alcohol every day cuts the risk of heart disease in men by more than a third, a major study suggests. The Spanish research involving more than 15,500 men and 26,000 women found large quantities of alcohol could be even more beneficial for men. Female drinkers did not benefit to the same extent, the study found.
http://www.thepublican.com/story.asp?sectioncode=7&storycode=65785&c=1
Pubs and shops target underage sales together
Scheme in Kent is the first of its kind in the UK to help pubs and other licensed traders tackle underage sales. The Kent Community Alcohol Partnership is launching the project to show that traders are working to change attitudes towards alcohol. Those who sign up will display ‘Challenge 21’ or ‘Challenge 25’ material in their premises – and in turn will receive training from the partnership.
http://www.thepublican.com/story.asp?sectioncode=7&storycode=65798
BEER, ALE & CIDER:
Fuller’s beers get marketing boost
Fuller’s is to increase its marketing spend in 2010 after its beer company turned in 15% increase in operating profits in the six months to September 26th. The brand has been on TV during high profile football matches, a level it has not been at previously.
http://www.offlicencenews.co.uk/articles/76773/Fullers-beers-get-marketing-boost.aspx?categoryid=246
WINE:
Britain demands a bottle of the good stuff
Middle England’s burgeoning love affair with fine wine is helping two of Britain’s biggest wine sellers to see off the recession and competition from supermarkets.
Dragons’ Den star moves into wine retailing
Entrepreneur Peter Jones is moving into wine with the launch of an online retailing business. Gondola is aimed at mainstream drinkers and will specialise in branded wines. The launch will be backed by a £100,000 online marketing campaign designed to attract 600,000 visitors and 20,000 sales transactions within 12 months.
Jacob’s Creek reveals its true character
Jacob’s Creek will have a new TV ad campaign in early December. The campaign will aim to position Jacob’s Creek as “premium yet unpretentious”, according to Pernod Ricard UK
Hat trick for Isabelo in Fairtrade awards
Isabelo Pinotage 2008 from South Africa has picked up three awards at this year’s Fairtrade Wine Competition. The Co-op’s Chilean Merlot Rosé 2009 won Best Fairtrade Rosé and its Cape Sparkling Rosé NV from South Africa scooped the Best Fairtrade Sparkling award.
SPIRITS:
Scotch Whisky ads to carry responsible drinking message
All future Scotch Whisky adverts and printed point of sale materials are to carry a responsible drinking message
Global Brands targets music fans through Calvin Harris sponsorship
Global Brands is targeting music fans with RTD brand, VK Vodka Kick, through its sponsorship of DJ Calvin Harris’s 13 date tour of clubs belonging to Luminar Leisure.
http://www.thepublican.com/story.asp?sectioncode=7&storycode=65779&c=1
SOFT DRINKS & FOOD:
Kettle Chips launches film-themed promo
Kettle Chips has tied up with DVD rental service LoveFilm to target the Christmas market with a promotional campaign. Kettle Chips mailers will be going out to 3m LoveFilm subscribers throughout November redirecting consumers to an online competition offering prizes including LCD TVs. Additionally a Kettle Chips coupon will be supplied with the mailer.
http://www.promotionsandincentives.co.uk/news/967754/Kettle-Chips-launches-film-themed-promo/
Coca-Cola targets everyone in bid to double profits
Coca-Cola is targeting the emerging middle classes, ageing customers and younger, more environmentally-conscious consumers in a bid to double its revenue by 2020.